Chicken Noodle Soup gets a sunny Mediterranean twist with fresh lemon, dill, and parsley for a fast, feel-good dinner. This bowl is light yet satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or soothing chilly evenings. You’ll also find tips to adapt it into Egg Noodle Soup, Rice Noodle Soup, or other Noodle Soup Recipes without fuss.
Why You’ll Love It
That classic comfort of tender chicken, ribbons of egg noodles, and soft vegetables meets a burst of citrus and herbs. Lemon juice brightens the broth, dill adds aroma, and parsley brings garden-fresh flavor so each spoonful tastes clean and uplifting. It’s simple, ready in about 30 minutes, and easy to customize for your favorite Dinner Recipes rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (poached or rotisserie-style)
- 6 oz wide egg noodles (or similar pasta)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lemon, zest and 3–4 tbsp juice (to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 6–8 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Noodles & Chicken: Add egg noodles; cook to al dente per package time (usually 6–8 minutes). Stir in shredded chicken to heat through.
- Finish Bright: Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon zest and juice to taste, then fold in dill and parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra herbs or a thin lemon slice.
Health Benefits
- Lean protein: Chicken supports satiety and recovery.
- Hydration & electrolytes: A broth-based soup helps replenish fluids and sodium after long days.
- Phytonutrients: Dill and parsley offer antioxidants; lemon adds vitamin C to support immune health.
- Gentle on digestion: Soft noodles and tender vegetables make this an easy, nourishing meal.
Variations
- Rice Noodle Soup: Swap egg noodles for medium rice noodles; cook directly in the broth just until tender.
- Chicken Pasta Soup: Use small shapes (ditalini, fusilli) for a heartier Pasta Soup Recipes vibe.
- Turkey Noodle Soup: Replace chicken with leftover turkey for a cozy twist.
Pro Tips
- Add lemon at the end: Keeps flavors bright and the herbs vibrant.
- Broth control: If you like a thicker body, simmer 5 minutes uncovered or stir in a splash of starch slurry.
- Herb balance: Start with the listed dill, then add more in small amounts—fresh dill is potent.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Cool completely, then refrigerate up to 4 days. Noodles continue to absorb broth, so store them separately when possible. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon to wake up the flavors. The soup also freezes well without the noodles; add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Serving Ideas
Serve with warm pita or crusty bread and a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a complete Mediterranean-leaning meal. A sprinkle of extra dill just before serving makes the aroma pop.
